WOODSBORO — Kasie Fierova set the bar high for the girls golf program at Woodsboro High School three years ago. As a freshman, she advanced to the state tournament.

Fierova will tee off for a state title for the fourth time at Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin on May 3 and 4. But this year is different. The girls golf team will also be vying for a state championship as well.

“What an exciting experience!” Baker said. “I am so proud of the girls. They came out and gave me their best and made it all the way to state!”

At the regional tournament in Brenham last week, Kasie earned the championship and team members Jennifer Elizardo, Brittney Lopez, Pauline Irving and Kasie placed second overall.

A first-year golf coach at WHS who doubles as the school nurse, Coach Carolyn Baker inquired when the last time a girls team went to state.

“I have asked all who should know about the girls golfing record and nobody can tell me if the girls have ever made it to state but the overwhelming consensus is that this is a first,” Baker said.

With the exception of Brittney, who is a junior, this is the last school tournament they play together.

“Every year I’ve gone to state I knew playing would be a lot better having them there,” Kasie said.

Looking back, Jennifer said she took up the sport because the team needed another golfer.

“This sport takes a lot of dedication and time,” Jennifer said.

Hard work and practice paid off.

“I’m really glad I play golf because it’s a sport I can play for the rest of my life,” Brittney said.

Last year, the girls were just two strokes from qualifying to advance.

“We knew from the beginning this team was talented, with good grades and they played in a lot of sports,” Baker said. “The girls wanted it.”

Other than winning a berth at state, the regional tournament in Brenham on April 16 and 17 was not that pleasant.

“A cloud of gnats swarmed around our heads,” Kasie said.

A cold front blew in and the temperature dropped.

Despite the adverse conditions, the girls finished the first day in second place with a 416, just 17 strokes out of the lead.

“They left the Brenham Country Club that evening with positive thoughts that they could continue the momentum for the second day,” Baker said.

The second day of play brought beautiful weather and the Lady Eagles were able to clinch the silver medal and second place title with a score of 452 which gave them a combined two-day total of 868.

On the boys side, Eagle JT Blaschke was just shy of advancing.

“JT Blaschke had a great golf season,” Baker said. “I am so proud of him. He competed well at the regional level and I know he will definitely be ready for state next year!”

At state, the Lady Eagles will be part of the 1A “Elite 8” teams.

“One of the biggest challenges for us will be to stay calm,” Kasie said. “If we get into a bad spot, we’ll have to start over and get back into the zone and play our game.”